The BYU Richards Building pool was renovated and reopened in the fall of 2018. The new facility includes two heated swimming pools with a bulkhead that allows for separation between the diving and swimming areas. The new pool will be the home for the BYU men's and women's swimming and diving teams.
The new facility is the most versatile competition pool in the state. It can be used as 18 25-yard lanes or eight 40-meter lanes with Omega back fin blocks. The bulkhead will allow the 40-meter pool to be shortened to eight 25-yard lanes for the college competition season. In addition to the competition pool, the Cougars will have a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool. For divers, the facility will include new 1-meter and 3-meter boards and stands in addition to new 3-meter and 5-meter platforms and a bubbler system and showers on deck. In addition, there will be a new video feedback system, video boards, a dry-land training room, HVAC, light and sound systems and increased seating on the east side of the pool.
The original swim and dive facility was completed in 1971 and named for Stephen L. Richards. Besides being a proponent of physical education and good sportsmanship, Richards served on the BYU Board of Trustees, as assistant commissioner of Church education and as a counselor in the First Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
BYU swimming and dive teams also train at other off-campus facilities nearby as needed. The Spanish Fork Water Park provides a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool. It has been a practice location for BYU for years, especially during the summer. The Orem Fitness Center is a 25-by-50 meter Olympic-size pool with a 1-meter diving board.